Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease

Definition:

A progressive obstruction of the pulmonary veins

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause is unknown, but it may be related to a thrombus (clot) formation after an injury, or it may be secondary to a viral infection. Young children and adults are affected most commonly. The progression of the disease leads to narrowed pulmonary veins, congestion, and edema of the lungs. Men are affected more frequently than women. The incidence is 1 out of 1,000,000 people.